LEEDS – I was there. In the bowels of Belmore at the end of May, the Bulldogs had just lost to the Dragons and the press pack waited for Josh Addo-Carr to exit the sheds, primed with questions about his controversial omission from the New South Wales squad.
The Foxx, usually the most enthusiastic man in the room, wasn’t up for a chat. It was clear to anyone who had dealt with him – and probably those that hadn’t, because he is exactly like you think he is – that one of the most effervescent characters in rugby league was devastated.
Five months and 15,000km later, I brought up that moment with him in the mixed zone at Headingley after the Kangaroos’ 42-8 victory over Fiji in their World Cup opener, in which Addo-Carr scored twice and won the hearts of the local crowd.
“I’m really proud of that,” he said. “I had an alright season at the Bulldogs, but to shut some people’s mouths is pretty pleasing at the same time. I couldn’t have done that without my teammates back at the Bulldogs. We had an alright year and improved. I’m blessed to be here and proud to be a Bulldog.”
The Blues might not have called, but for Foxx, the green and gold was always more important.
“I’ve always wanted to play for the Kangaroos,” said the winger. “It’s all happened so fast. Never in a million years did I think it’s play first grade let alone rep football. I love putting this jersey on and representing the country that we all love. It’s a blessing.
“I get to play with some of the best players in the world and it makes my job easy. That’s what the best players do. It’s deadly. I’ve played with a lot of these players and It’s been a really good week. I’ve really enjoyed being a part of this Kangaroos team, I was a part of it back in 2019 and I always say that this is the funnest camp to be a part of.”
His performance was enough to turn the local crowd, who heartily backed the Fijians, into admirers. Stood out on the winger, Addo-Carr had a front row seat for the Yorkshire dialect. His spectacular solo try, weaving through Fijians as he went the length of the field, did much to impress the locals.
“We’re getting an earful!” he joked. “People are saying “I love you”, “I hate you”, “You’re shit” – it was a mad atmosphere. I can’t believe I’m over here playing a bit of footy, never in a million years did I think I’d come over here and play footy.
“It was a great crowd and a great atmosphere. I don’t know what they’re trying to do, because when I was coming back after I scored that try, they were cheering me on, but two minutes before they were booing me!
“That’s footy, I’m glad I can put a couple of smiles on people’s faces and I really hope they enjoyed the game. It’s only good for rugby league.”
It was his first run in a few weeks, with only the Koori Knockout and the PM XIII’s fixture with Papua New Guinea to stretch the legs.
Wearing his Indigenous flag pin button on his Kangaroos tracksuit, Addo-Carr reflected on the journey from Nowra, where this year’s Knockout was held, to the World Cup, and where his story stood in comparison with that of his teammates.
“I was only a little fulla,” he said. “That’s the thing with Indigenous kids, we develop late. I was a late developer. I was blessed that I trained really well and was fit as a fiddle, which stood out. I was a late bloomer in terms of size, when I played down in Melbourne I was 79kgs when I won a Premiership. I was the littlest player on the field.
“You have to be patient with Indigenous kids and show them the right way. You might get the next Greg Inglis or Latrell Mitchell – or me! If you’re patient and guide them the right way you might get a superstar.”
The Mexican
Roar Rookie
All of the above :happy: :stoked: :silly: :laughing:
E-Meter
Roar Rookie
Hats off Foxy. Keep going. On and off the field.
Nat
Roar Guru
Good on you JAC. The tries were spectacular but Mal has obviously given him permission hunting around the middle. I wonder who he was referring to by shutting some people up? The vast majority were calling for JAC in origin, except maybe 2? Be careful who you call out JAC. Tupou is a very good winger and Freddy got spooked by the size of the Qld wingers. I can’t remember Tupou jumping over many but he certainly got man handled a few times. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.
Nat
Roar Guru
John, I believe If you get to play NRL you are a star. You are better than thousands of people who tried and didn’t make the cut. If you get to represent your state or country, that would qualify as a superstar.
Nat
Roar Guru
Really tough situation for clubs these days. These kids are locked into a system by the time they are 16yo so scouts are making assumptions years ahead of time. You watch the Koori and Murri carnivals and wonder how some of those guys were not picked up. That said, if they can stick with it, there are a few guys who get a start later in life, Cody Walker being the most prominent example.
Nat
Roar Guru
Good call Freddy, luv Qld. :stoked:
Fracktobunt
Roar Rookie
I get that he’s lighter than the average winger but my question is why is he big enough to play for Australia but not for NSW? It seems bizarre he can be considered heavy enough to play NZ who have an enormous team yet not big enough to take on the smaller Queenslanders.
matth
Roar Guru
Fogerty as well
KenW
Roar Rookie
I didn't read it that way at all. Actually I was thinking he's turning into an all-round star with an easy going charisma to match. I saw the comment about superstars as self-deprecating and funny 'GI or Trell...or me!'. He talks proudly about Indigenous issues but with an outward focus which I really like, often with an underlying tone of 'wouldn't it be great for all Australians to be proud of this stuff' and even subtly today where he said 'representing the country that we all love'. Words in print can be read multiple ways I suppose, but I can't help seeing him as a very positive character. Can play a bit too!
Kanya East
Guest
Would you like a twist of lemon with that John ?
The Late News
Roar Rookie
John usually I get where you are coming from but I think you missed this a bit. Read it again hey?
RLFan
Roar Rookie
Well- done Fox-it is great to see you doing well at International level and enjoying it. he has been a breath of fresh air at the Bulldogs after so many years in the doldrums. He's turned out to be a good leader as well, helping and encouraging the young guys in the team.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Cody Walker would be a great example of a late bloomer debuting at 26 years old. GI and Trell though were already freaks as teens.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Alex Johnston goes to bed each night asking the sky the same question. He’s the hands down best finisher in the game. Clearly Fred, predicting arm wrestles, as you would, wanted his wingers to be able to take the hit ups in red zones and To’o and Tupou lead the wingers league for hard meters. JAC is still 88 kegs, even Adam Reynolds is 85, begging to be dragged back in goal.
Mike Meehall Wood
Editor
He said them to me in person: wasn't arrogant at all. He was confident in his ability and incredibly humble and honoured to be playing in the green and gold. Guy gets it.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
John I don't read that as Foxx calling himself a superstar. It not even clear that he's saying he's as good as GI and Latrell. In that regard, he may have overtaken Latrell and he may be closing on GI.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Yes and that also underlines the importance of maintaining healthy comps one level below NRL. They may not shine at 16 but they can still have a chance to show their worth at 21.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Yeah he doesn't just pin the ears back.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Or just good old fashioned poor judgement?
The Barry
Roar Guru
Good on Fox - that try was exactly why you pick him… he can turn nothing into a spectacular 80 metre, six pointer Good on him for bouncing back after his Origin disappointment as well. He’s been a great leader at the Bulldogs, which isn’t something I’d associated with his game up to this point and not super common for a winger